In February 2006, as a result of regular semi-annual groundwater testing required by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), the County detected low levels of groundwater contamination in monitoring wells at the Sandy Hill Landfill. County Executive Jack B. Johnson held a press conference to disclose this finding and to ensure the public that the County would take any actions necessary to protect the health and safety of the citizens and residents.
Since that time, the County has worked diligently with the County Health Department, MDE and the contractor for the site, Waste Management Disposal Services of Maryland, Inc. to further evaluate the groundwater in the area surrounding the project. The County has also engaged an independent consultant, Malcolm Pirnie Consultants, to assist in performing testing, evaluating results and formulating any necessary corrective actions.
As part of our proactive efforts, the County has performed comprehensive testing around the perimeter of the project over the past two years. Test results earlier this year raised concerns about the area to the south along Duckettown Road. As a proactive measure, the County began to evaluate the adjacent parks of Sandy Hill and Huntington-North. Initial sampling of Huntington-North Park found very low levels of groundwater contamination at a level of five to six feet below the ground. In order to err on the side of caution and safety, we immediately engaged our consultants to begin a more comprehensive testing of surface soil, surface water (including the adjacent stream) and additional groundwater testing for both parks. Based on the nature of this testing and the scope of the activity, it was determined that the Huntington-North Park would need to be closed. The County contacted the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and requested that action be taken. For the current status on the Parks, please go to “Huntington-North and Sandy Hill Park Status” on this website.
For a "Summary of the Testing Program", please click here
Summary
Some relatively low levels of groundwater contamination have been identified off-site
beyond the facility boundary.
The compounds found in the testing that exceed regulatory action levels are:
- Tetrachloroethene, sometimes referred to as TCE or PCE for short; and
- Methylene Chloride (or sometimes called dichloromethane.)
Note: It is important to recognize that the above compounds are at very low levels (in the parts per billion). However, since they are above regulatory action levels, we are required to evaluate them. We will continue the evaluation process with our regulatory partners. Our next meeting with MDE to review the latest testing results is scheduled for March 7, 2008.
• The groundwater in question is not being used as a source of drinking water or in other ways that would facilitate exposure. The County Health Department has again recently reviewed the area for issues that would lead to contact with groundwater and to ensure that no shallow wells are being used as a drinking water source.
• The County will continue its ongoing evaluation and testing program. In addition, we will work with our regulatory partners and our consultant to ensure that all prudent measures are taken to ensure the health and safety of the public.
• Based on the current results and findings, there is no immediate risk to public health related to this groundwater issue.
Actions Taken by the County to Address This Issue
• The County will continue to increase leachate (the liquid that is formed in the landfill when rainwater filters through the garbage) and landfill gas removal activities from the site. Both MDE and our consultant agree that these measures will have a positive impact on the groundwater quality.
• Once we have evaluated the complete scope of the issue (additional testing is scheduled in this area) and determine the most effective solution, the County will begin cleanup efforts along the south facility boundary [Duckettown Road]. It is important to understand that any action to be taken must be approved by MDE prior to implementation. There must also be a public hearing before the county implements the planned remedial action.
• In our surveys of immediately adjacent homes, many individuals raised concerns about illegal dumping that had occurred on County-owned property to the west of the site. We have evaluated that issue and have begun a cleanup of the area. See “Western Boundary Property Cleanup Status” on this website for a current status of that effort.
• The County is working with the residents to test other areas of concern in the immediate vicinity such as the stormwater ponds, deep wells, farm ponds, sump pump discharges, etc.).
• The Department of Environmental Resources has set up an electronic mail system to facilitate the submission of questions or concerns related to the project. Please send your questions or concerns to DERcares@co.pg.md.us.
Summary of the Testing Program
Seventy-four samples were taken (40 groundwater, 13 surface water and 21 soil samples) from around the project site. For a depiction of the locations of the testing done to date, please click here. Most of the testing performed was not at the request of MDE, but as part of the County’s proactive evaluation and action program for the site.
Results of Groundwater and Surface Water Testing and Chemical Analysis
Groundwater Testing
Results along the west and northwest boundary
Low levels of contaminants detected exceeding regulatory action levels in some localized areas up to 250 west of site. Note: This is County-owned property.
Results along the south-southwest boundary, Duckettown Road and adjacent park properties
Groundwater results show localized contamination at concentrations approaching and exceeding regulatory levels.
Huntington-North Park – Groundwater contaminants found appear to be shallow groundwater within about 5-6’ depth.
Sandy Hill Park – No groundwater contaminants found that exceed regulatory levels.
Duckettown Road – Low concentrations approaching and slightly greater than regulatory action levels along the roadway. This investigation is ongoing.
No chemicals of concern detected in surface water tests.
Soils Testing and Chemical Analysis for Parks
No chemicals of concern were detected in surface soils at any park locations with the exception of one test showing a slightly elevated level of arsenic at the Sandy Hill Park.
The detected concentration of arsenic is consistent with general concentrations in local and regional soils and is NOT attributable to the project.
For results of soil testing, please click here.
Western Boundary Property Cleanup Status
The Department of Environmental Resources’ Waste Management Group has developed a strategy to resolve the issue of illegal dumping. As of February 29, 2008, staff reports that 95% of the tires have been removed. They are now concentrating on the other forms of trash at the site and it is expected that the cleanup will be completed within two weeks. Staff is also working with the County Health Department on formal closure of two dug wells discovered during our comprehensive exploration of the site. Upon completion of the cleanup activity, we will effectively close the driveway entrance. Dumping signs (warning of video surveillance that will be installed shortly) will be placed at the entrance. The Department is also working with the County Police Department to arrange for additional patrols of the general area and looking at options for placement of cameras.
Huntington-North and Sandy Hill Park Status
The Sandy Hill Park remains open and available for use.
The Huntington-North Park remains closed to facilitate the installation of a permanent groundwater monitoring well and subsequent testing. Please be assured that we understand the need and desire for the Park to reopen and that we will work to enable that to occur as soon as possible.
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